Our Community Husky campaign is here to guide you through off-campus scenarios to ensure you live safely, responsibly, and respectfully in our local communities. View the 5 good-neighbor actions below to get started!
5 Easy Steps to Being a Good Neighbor
Step 1: Say Hello!
Being a respectful neighbor starts with an introduction. Say hello and exchange contact information. This is helpful if you go away on break, need help with a package delivery, or are hoping to work together on an apartment concern.
Be mindful of noise. Regardless of the time of day, loud or unruly conduct is a violation of your lease and city noise ordinance. Remember that not all neighbors share your schedule. You may live near a family, young professionals, and seniors. Be respectful and keep the noise down.
Reporting concerns: For those that live in Mission Hill, you can call the Mission Hill Property Properties hostline at 617-373-3680 to report distrubrances or concerns that may be negatively impacting you or your neighbors. If you reside in another neighborhood, dial 911 or the non-emergency police line to report excessive noise or safety concerns.
Step 2: Be informed
Know your renter’s rights and responsibilities. Landlords must have their rental units registered and inspected regularly. Know Boston safety requirements and check if your apartment meets the State Sanitary Code (view MA State Sanitary Code).
Know the Code! The Northeastern Student Code of Conduct applies no matter where you live. Students living off-campus are expected to follow all rules outlined by Northeastern University.
Step 3: Follow trash and recycling guidelines
Take out the trash! Check the pick up schedule for your street or download the Trash App to set up reminders. Avoid trash fines for “illegal trash disposal” by putting trash out at the correct time and following the local trash guidelines for the City of Boston or your current location.
Go Green Recycle required items! Check pick-up schedules and appropriate ways to recycle here. Remember that mattresses and textiles must be recycled in Massachusetts.
Step 4: Practice Off-Campus Safety Tips
Be Fire-Safe Make sure that there is always a working battery in your smoke alarm. Extinguish candles when you go to bed or leave. Make sure guests put ashes in ashtrays; not the floor, yard, or potting soil. If you have a gas stove, regularly clean the burners. Click here, for more information.
Stay off the Roof Check your lease for roof-top regulations. If you’re up there illegally, you face serious fines from your landlord and/or Boston Police, as well as potential injury!
Step 5: Get Involved!
Get Involved Explore your neighborhood. Help with a local cleanup like Mission Hill or Fenway Breakfast Club! Attend your neighborhood committee meetings. Participants in Breakfast Club will earn a Community Husky sticker badge!
Community Service and Civic Engagement is a part of Education Innovation in the Office of the Chancellor. The office plays an integral role in meaningfully connecting and engaging students, AmeriCorps members, and staff with communities in Boston and beyond. For students, community engagement offers critical experiential learning opportunities that allow them to understand and have an impact in the world.
Community Husky Award
Off-campus students are nominated each spring for the annual Community Husky Award. These students are nominated by their peers and community members as being involved off campus, participating in community service, and for being a good neighbor that contributes to a positive environment for the entire community.
How do I nominate myself or another student for this award?
The online nomination form opens in February 2025. The deadline to submit a nomination is in late March.
How is the winner selected?
Nomination forms are reviewed by the Off Campus Engagement and Support staff and student Community Ambassador team. Finalists are selected for interviews in late March. A final recipient is selected and they will be honored and recognized at the annual Student Life Awards in April.
Who is the current Community Husky?
Lana Elzein (photo to come)
Responsible Hosting Off Campus
You may want to have friends over to your off-campus apartment. We have created a guide to Living SMART Off Campus that outlines the do’s and don’ts of hosting, communicating with neighbors, and being mindful in your neighborhood.